Monday, March 15, 2010

I spent last week sailing in the British Virgin Islands with 16 family members aboard two Catamarans. I wish I could tell you that I learned to sail, but mostly I laid in the sun and enjoyed the ride!

Before leaving for the trip, I decided to make myself a beach tote that could get damp, sandy or salty. Inspired by a denim tote by Built by Wendy from a few seasons back, I cut up a few pairs of my old jeans, and sewed up a tote.

built by wendy

my denim tote

To make the tote, I used 4 pair of old jeans in varying colors of denim.

I cut 6 inch wide strips from the legs of the jeans. (The 8 legs yielded enough strips of denim to make 2 totes)

I sewed the strips of denim together, cut out my tote bag pattern, and sewed the bag together.

I lined the bag with a yellow cotton toille, added denim handles and a magnetic snap for closure. It took me about 2 hours to make this tote.

Hello Christie - I came across your blog after finding an image of one of your bags on Pinterest while I was searching for some fresh ideas for my handbag website (no don't worry, not to copy :) )- I am glad I found your blog, you do great work - do you sell any of your finished work?

This is where I found your bag on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/chelmsford/handbags/

Hi,Thanks for you nice comments about my work. The denim tote bag was easy to make. I actually copied it from a photo of a bag made by "Built by Wendy" a few seasons ago. I sometimes sell my handmade items, but only through custom order. I don't have inventory already made for sale.

Love the bag. Trying to make one for myself. What are over all dimensions. I didn't get enough fabric out of 4 pairs of jeans to make 2 bags. My bag must be way larger! Still love it. Beautiful work. Thanks for your info.

Here's what I don't understand. The leg width of jeans vary, of course, but they're not 16 in wide. The picture shows no seams, other than side seams. The only way to get wide/long strips is to cut them from the length of the leg, not the width Am I correct? What am I missing? Anybody. Thank you..

I loved your tote bag so much that I want to make my own. But the thing is I am just beginning to sew and I cannot sew one without instructions. Apologies if I am asking for a lot, but can you post full instructions of the same. Thanks a lot!

I had so much fun making this bag! I used the waist band of the jeans for the top edge of my purse. I sewed a cut out jean hip pocket on the outside for my cell phone and when I made the lining I also sewed a hip pocket there, too. My husband cut some foam for the bottom of my bag, so it could sit flat...I covered it with lining fabric. Everybody comments on how cute it is!! Thanks for you idea!

I was coveting a blue Lily Pulitzer tote from Target, that is actually rafia (?), but at first glance, I thought it was denim. After finding out the tote is sold out, I thought, heck, how hard could it be to make a denim tote! I love the stripes--really strong classic look to it. Form + Function = recycled denim tote :)

Use a size 16 or 18 if its very thick. I just finished a jean rag quilt using flannel for the baking & used a size 16 needle. I did not have any problems even going over the topped stitched bulky inner leg seam!

Hi Christie :)I wanted to let you know ... this bag tut is my Go To when I want make Denim Bags. I have made 3 so far.. The first one I made a oopsie.. but it's ok.. I still use it.. As for the liner I used a soft Pink and White Gingham Bed sheet :) Thank ya Darling :)